More middle-class pupils are missing out on university places

There has been a sharp rise in students from poorer families earning the grades needed to secure a place at universityPA

The number of middle-class teenagers winning a university place has fallen after the SNP launched a “social engineering” drive on Scotland’s campuses.

Figures released as thousands of school pupils received their exam results showed a sharp rise in those from poorer families earning the grades needed to secure a place at university.

The same statistics show that acceptance rates fell compared with last year for pupils from wealthier areas.

The results were welcomed by the Scottish government, which said it was determined to increase diversity at universities and ensure that students could fulfil their potential regardless of their background.

However, critics raised fears of an emerging trend which will lead to pupils who do not live in the poorest postcode areas facing discrimination in the…